Why do businesses use electric tugs?
Material handling electric tugs
As more companies look to make improvements in safety and efficiency, businesses across many different sectors are turning to MasterMover.
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No license needed
Operators do not need a special driving licence or hours of training to learn how to use an electric tug.
It’s simple to use, easy to handle and removes the effort out of moving heavy and awkward wheeled loads.
Instead, the electric tug does all the hard work so all a single pedestrian user needs to do is securely attach to the load and guide it where it needs to go.
It’s the cost-effective alternative
Unlike fixed infrastructure such as overhead cranes or a system of pulleys and chains, a MasterMover machine is a cheaper alternative to more costly moving methods. It’s flexible too. If, for example, a production layout changes, then a MasterMover can be easily incorporated into the new workflow, without the need for expensive factory alterations.
What’s more, because of the compact footprint of the machines, an electric tug is ideal for navigating corners and narrow, congested spaces.
Plus, there’s the time and cost savings relating to training. Whereas forklift truck operators need a special license to work in the UK, any member of staff can use an electric tug with just a small amount of training.
That means if something needs to be moved, then there’s no wasted time or waiting around for a trained forklift truck operator to become available. Downtime becomes a thing of the past.
It’s a win-win: Electric tug benefits for businesses and employees
Businesses that use electric tugs can achieve huge gains in efficiency and productivity but that’s not the only benefit.
A MasterMover electric tug also improves safety for employees. By reducing or eliminating manual handling completely, staff members no longer need to push and pull heavy loads as the machine takes the strain.
There is less risk of accidents and runaway loads and less potential for long-term health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders.
What types of business use electric tugs?
MasterMover electric tugs can be found in every sector and in businesses right across the globe.
There are chemical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers that require the safe and efficient movement of often sensitive but nevertheless awkward loads, while also protecting the wellbeing of highly-trained staff.
There are the manufacturing environments that demand precision movement of valuable components in the most challenging of conditions. That’s why MasterMover also supplies ATEX compliant tugs for use in potentially explosive environments, as well as stainless steel tugs for use in the food industries and biopharmaceutical sectors.
It’s not just in manufacturing, either. Retail and logistics operations, healthcare and facilities management companies all depend on the smooth and seamless movement of loads. From the movement of roll cages to laundry cages and waste bins, an electric tug unlocks the benefits of far greater productivity and safety.
Why choose an electric tug?
Electric tugs offer a wide range of benefits to businesses and operators, which include:
Improve efficiency and productivity
Reduces manual handling
No downtime waiting for other machinery
Provide control and manoeuvrability
A cost-effective alternative to other solutions
Boost safety through busy and congested workplaces
The ultimate guide to electric tugs
Electric tug essentials
Looking to understand electric tugs in a little more detail?
We’ve compiled some helpful resources to get you started, covering everything from how they work, different types of batteries, getting the right connection point and more…
What problems do electric tugs solve for businesses?
Inefficient internal movement of goods, parts and equipment can be a real headache for businesses. But making sure loads arrive in the right place at the right time means it is possible to maximise productivity and reduce waste.
However, achieving an efficient flow of cargo is not always easy. Difficulty of movement can translate into delays and high operating costs.
When dealing with large-size, heavy and awkward loads, the problems are often magnified.
Electric tugs are used by companies who want to eliminate these issues by achieving smooth and seamless movement. Replacing the power of human hands, these compact machines offer excellent manoeuvrability and versatility.
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If you’re looking to improve safety, remove the risk of injury and unlock greater operational efficiency, we’re here to help. Speak to our team to discuss your application.
FAQs: Your questions, answered
Businesses use electric tugs to improve safety, reduce manual handling, move loads with a single pedestrian operator and increase efficiency without relying on larger or more expensive handling methods.
In general, operators do not need a special driving licence to use an electric tug. That makes electric tugs accessible to more members of staff and reduces the delays associated with waiting for licensed vehicle operators.
Yes, particularly where businesses want a flexible alternative to fixed infrastructure or want to reduce dependency on more costly moving methods. Electric tugs can be integrated into changing production layouts without the same level of disruption or factory alteration.
Because they are simple to use and do not usually require a licence to operate, more team members can move loads when needed, reducing waiting time and keeping workflows moving.
Electric tugs help improve safety by reducing or eliminating the need for staff to push or pull heavy loads manually. The machine takes the effort, helping reduce physical strain and fatigue, as well as supporting better control during movement.
Electric tugs are typically used to move heavy, awkward, or high-value wheeled loads, including sub-assemblies or work-in-progress (WIP), industrial trolleys, and equipment that would otherwise be difficult or unsafe to move manually.
For many applications, electric tugs offer a more compact, pedestrian-operated solution that is easier to deploy in tight spaces and may require less training. They can be especially useful where businesses need precise control around corners or in congested areas.
They are well suited to manufacturing, logistics and other workplaces where businesses need to move heavy wheeled loads frequently, safely and efficiently in live operational environments.